Le Meridien Melbourne Review: Where Parisian Chic Meets CBD Cool

First Impressions: A Grand Arrival

I’m grateful for the aircon. It’s surprisingly muggy for this time of evening as we Uber through Melbourne’s gritty inner streets. Under the inky cloak of darkness, Le Méridien Melbourne announces itself with a row of old-school Hollywood-style bulbs on the driveway.

Perched above Parliament House, this sleek 12-storey hotel blends classic charm with a contemporary twist. French elegance meets Melbourne cool, with nods to mid-century design, modern art, and luxurious creature comforts at every turn.

The Room: Mid-Century Meets Modern Comfort

Upstairs, my room is a cocoon of calm. It features wood grain textures, soft greys, crisp white bedding, and a curated bookshelf filled with art books and framed prints.

There’s a Nespresso machine, of course, plus a mini bar stocked with local wine, a premixed “Florence” cocktail created exclusively for Le Méridien, and treats from The Ministry of Chocolate.

The bathroom is a standout—enormous shower, black steel-framed glass, bench seat, and luxe Malin + Goetz amenities. That peppermint shampoo? Divine.

The Sleep: A Rare Mum-Only Treat

I’m in town to do a podcast interview, so it’s an early night for me. I’ve eaten on the plane, so I curl up in the enormous bed with a book and enjoy a long, indulgent, kid-free kip. Bliss.

Morning Routine: Gym, Sauna, and Noodles

The next morning, feeling surprisingly sprightly, I head to the gym. It’s kitted out with state-of-the-art Technogym gear, a sauna, and a fridge filled with icy cold towels. Five sweaty minutes on the bike and a few weights later, I’m wrapped in the dry wood-scented heat of the sauna. Heavenly.

Breakfast at Dolly: Not Your Standard Buffet

Downstairs, the lobby is a vibe—there’s a chic café, a playful gelato stand, and a grand staircase that sweeps down to Dolly Restaurant.

Breakfast is impressive: a classic buffet with eggs cooked to your liking, Pressed Juices, and—my favourite—an Asian breakfast section. I tuck into noodles and dumplings, laced with hot chilli sauce. A power start to the day.

Work Meets Play: A Visit to Synergie

My Uber arrives and I head off to interview Terri Vinson, cosmetic chemist and founder of Synergie Skin.

The interview is packed with emotion and insight—stay tuned for Season 5 of Beautiful Inside. The team give me a full tour of the facility: lab, warehouse, training rooms—it’s all there, under one roof. Seeing how the products are made makes me love the brand even more.

Rooftop Pool Life: Aperol & Afternoon Sun

Later that day, my girlfriend joins me at the Rooftop Pool for a cheeky swim and an Aperol Spritz from the Splash Bar, paired with salty fries. It’s pure holiday mode.

It’s hot and late afternoon asI head back into Melbourne and I’ve organised for my girlfriend to come and meet me for an afternoon swim session at the Rooftop Pool.. We order Aperol Spritzes from the Splash Bar with a side of fries. Later, we head back to the room and get dressed to wander Melbourne’s famous laneways in search of cute bars and restaurants. We visit an average bar for a pretty average cocktail, then wander in circles for ages trying to find somewhere better. Finally we have the idea to ask my Patsy, my Chat GPT.

Siglo Nights: Cigars, Champagne and Hinge Dates

Patsy leads us to Siglo, a sophisticated rooftop terrace bar overlooking Parliament House. It’s packed, the air thick with cigar smoke, and champagne and olives are flowing.

We spy on glamorous young things mid-Hinge date. It’s the first time in ages I’ve been out for drinks—just me and my and one of my oldest friends, no kids. It’s the perfect end to the perfect Melbourne getaway.

Final Thoughts: Stylish, Central and So Very Chic

Back at Le Méridien, I kick off my heels and sink into bed. I’m tired but content. The trip has been the perfect balance of work and fun, and Le Méridien has been the ultimate hostess—stylish, central, and effortlessly luxurious.

Whether you’re in town for business, a city break, or a luxe girls’ weekend, Le Méridien Melbourne is a destination in itself.

Plan Your Stay at Le Méridien Melbourne

Location: 20 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC

Rooms from: $320 per night (approx.)

Book at: marriott.com.au

Words by Sigourney Cantelo